Pinterest Benefits: How Regina Jones spent Pinterest’s year-end holiday closure

Hi Regina! Thanks for joining us. Let’s start with a quick introduction.

My name is Regina Jones and I’ve been at Pinterest for three and a half years, supporting most of the Chief Finance Officer’s Org leadership team (Finance, Accounting, IR, IA, Corp Dev). 

Last year, you spent your time during Pinterest’s year-end closure in a very unique way – donating your kidney to your brother. What motivated you to become a donor and how did the timing align with the holiday break? 

My older brother was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure in August 2021. When we learned he would need a kidney donation to regain his health and return to a sense of normalcy, I knew immediately that I wanted to begin the testing process—and, if approved, I was eager to donate.

The evaluation process took about six months, as it was thorough and extensive. Once I found out I was a match and eligible to donate, we faced another challenge: my brother would take almost two years to reach good health to safely undergo surgery.

In November 2024, we finally received clearance for the procedure. The earliest surgery date available was December 26, 2024. Although it was the day after Christmas, the timing was actually ideal—I would be on a year-end break from work, which gave me just enough time to recover and return to work promptly.

Remarkably, I was able to return to work on January 6, 2025, feeling very much like myself again after a 10-day recovery.

How did your manager or team support you during this process? 

At the time of my donation, I was supporting three VP leaders within the CFO organization. They were all aware of my surgery and provided incredible mental and emotional support. I frequently heard how proud and excited they were for me, but more importantly, they encouraged me to take my recovery slowly and return to work only when I truly felt ready, not to push myself too soon.

Their empathy eased my anxiety about needing to bounce back immediately. Knowing I had their support allowed me to focus on healing at my own pace. When I returned, my teams were also supportive—checking in on my health and recovery—which sparked valuable conversations about my journey and the process it took to get there.

What other ways did Pinterest or the company’s benefit offerings help make this experience easier for you? 

Without the end-of-year company closure, it would have been difficult for me to commit to taking an extended period off for the surgery. I’m so grateful to work for a company that gives everyone dedicated time to reset and recharge their minds and bodies. Pinterest truly cares about its employees and their well-being.

Now that I’m almost one year post-surgery, my health remains a top priority, and I’ll continue to be monitored closely for the rest of my life. This ongoing care means regular doctor visits and lab work, but thanks to Pinterest’s excellent health insurance, I don’t have to worry about overwhelming costs to maintain and monitor my health.

As you reflect on this journey, what’s one thing that surprised you? 

Our bodies are truly remarkable. Through this experience, I’ve learned so much about being a living donor—and that it’s entirely possible to live a healthy, normal life with just one kidney. Before this, I had never undergone major surgery or even broken a bone, but this journey has shown me just how resilient I am. I discovered that, given the chance to rest, my body is capable of healing itself quickly.

In what ways did donating to your brother shape how you show up as an advocate for living donors and people living with kidney failure?

Before my brother’s diagnosis, my family had no understanding of kidney disease or kidney failure. Renal failure has taught us so much about dialysis, kidney function, and the global need for living donors. It’s eye-opening to learn that the average wait time on the national kidney transplant list is five to ten years.

Life can be healthy and normal again - I’m a mom to a two-year-old, and I’m expecting my second child in the spring of 2026. When people see me and learn that I’m a donor, they’re always surprised I’ve undergone something so intense. I love sharing my story so others know there’s nothing to be afraid of—being a living donor not only transformed my life, but also gave someone else the gift of life.

The best part of this journey has been seeing my brother healthy, thriving, and glowing on the other side of his illness. If I had a million kidneys, I would donate them all. I hope my story encourages others who may be considering donation, or simply sheds light on what it means to be a living donor.